BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE – African professionals engaged in ecosystem restoration and sustainable land management now have a unique opportunity to advance their careers through the AfriMAB–GRÓ Land Restoration Fellowships 2026.
Applications have opened and will close on September 15, 2025. These fellowships offer at least two fully funded, six-month opportunities in Iceland, running from February 27 to 27 August 2026.
The fellowships are hosted by the GRÓ Land Restoration Training Programme (GRÓ LRT), a UNESCO Category 2 Centre at the Agricultural University of Iceland.
Every year, the programme gathers professionals from around the world for intensive postgraduate-level coursework, hands-on field training, and individualized projects tailored to each participant’s professional goals.
Fellows will benefit from full tuition and academic expenses, round-trip travel, health insurance, a monthly living stipend, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Ecosystem Restoration and Sustainable Land Management (30 ECTS).
This makes it a rare and valuable opportunity for professionals aiming to make a tangible impact in their communities and biosphere reserves.
Eligibility requirements include:
.Holding a significant role in ecosystem restoration within a biosphere reserve
.Having at least one relevant university degree, such as in ecology, natural sciences, or environmental management
.Possessing at least one year of professional experience in a biosphere reserve
.Being proficient in English
.Being under 40 years old
The application deadline is September 15, 2025, and interested candidates can apply online through UNESCO’s website.
This fellowship represents a major step forward for African professionals dedicated to preserving natural ecosystems while promoting sustainable land management practices.
Apply here: UNESCO Fellowship Page
